German Cup Shock: Bielefeld Upset Leverkusen To Continue Fairytale Run

German Cup holders Bayer Leverkusen suffered a stunning 2-1 defeat against third-division Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-finals on Tuesday, ending their hopes of back-to-back titles.

Xabi Alonso's side, overwhelming favourites to reach a second consecutive final, were outplayed by their lower-league opponents, who have now eliminated four top-tier clubs on their fairytale run.

Jonathan Tah put Leverkusen ahead in the 17th minute, but Bielefeld responded almost immediately through Marius Woerl. Maximilian Grosser then struck in first-half stoppage time to seal a famous victory, sending Bielefeld to their first-ever German Cup final.

Bielefeld's dream season now sees them on the verge of European football-if they win the final in Berlin in May against either RB Leipzig or Stuttgart, they will secure a Europa League spot for next season.

Bielefeld became just the fourth third-division side in history to reach the German Cup final, and coach Michel Kniat was full of pride.